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Overview
If you’re seeking a compact SUV with impressive versatility, know that the 2021 Honda CR-V does just about everything well. The two-row Honda provides an attractive and spacious cabin bolstered by bountiful storage solutions that are perfect for pack rats and road trips. While neither of its four-cylinder powertrains—one turbocharged, one hybrid—are especially quick, both have notable fuel-economy ratings. Compared with the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan, the CR-V is less entertaining from behind the wheel, but it has a pleasant ride and never feels uncoordinated. It also comes equipped with myriad active-safety features and offers all manner of popular technology. These qualities and a sophisticated appearance make the 2021 CR-V one of the best compact SUVs for small families.
What’s New for 2021?
Honda transitions the CR-V into 2021 without making any significant changes.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
- LX: $26,500 (est.)
- EX: $29,000 (est.)
- LX Hybrid: $29,000 (est.)
- EX-L: $31,500 (est.)
- EX Hybrid: $31,500 (est.)
- EX-L Hybrid: $34,000 (est.)
- Touring: $35,000 (est.)
- Touring Hybrid: $37,000 (est.)
We think the EX Hybrid is the CR-V to get. Not only does it come stocked with popular standard features that include blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it’s more refined and fuel efficient than the gas model. While our chosen eco-minded CR-V doesn’t offer any options, it comes standard with all-wheel drive.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Honda did its homework planting its first turbocharged engine—a 1.5-liter unit that makes 190 horsepower—in a CR-V and pairing it with one of the best continuously variable automatic transmissions (CVTs) available—praise we don’t give lightly. While most compact crossovers have meager towing limits, the CR-V has one of the lowest at 1500 pounds. Any parent moonlighting as a street racer might be disappointed with the CR-V’s acceleration. On the other hand, they—along with everyone else—will appreciate its refined ride, enthusiastic steering, and strong brakes. The composed and compliant ride of the CR-V makes for pleasant commutes, long or short. Its responsive brake pedal means you receive the stopping power you want when you ask for it. The CR-V hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors that combine for 212 horsepower. We found the hybrid system to be smooth and unobtrusive, and we appreciated that Honda mitigated engine drone at wide-open throttle by adding sound-deadening materials and giving the audio system an active noise-cancelling feature. This provided a much quieter experience than the base engine, which was one of the loudest in its class when matting the gas pedal.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Good to look at, good to drive, and good on gas: the CR-V is among the most fuel-efficient compact crossovers we’ve tested. The EPA estimates the gas-only model will earn up to 28 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway. The last CR-V we tested on our 200-mile highway route, which simulates real-world fuel economy, had all-wheel drive and earned 32 mpg—matching its government rating. The hybrid CR-V is estimated to earn 40 mpg city and 35 highway. However, the Toyota RAV4 hybrid is rated at 41/38 mpg city/highway. In our real-world testing, the Honda earned 32 mpg on the highway, but the Toyota beat it by 5 mpg (37 total).
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
A stylish and spacious interior creates a cool and comfortable environment in the CR-V. Quality materials and a familiar layout combine for a contemporary look and feel. A tasteful balance of faux-wood accents, chromed plastic, and brushed-satin finishes looked particularly upscale in the Touring version we tested. Supportive and nicely sculpted front seats hug their occupants in all the right places. Leading its class in cargo volume and luggage space, the CR-V not only earns high marks in those subjects, but also by way of its inclusion of user-friendly and useful equipment. We managed to fit 10 carry-on suitcases behind the rear seat, which matched the CX-5 and the Ford Escape. Fold the back seat flat, and the Honda offers best-in-class luggage space.
Infotainment and Connectivity
An otherwise excellent presentation is offset by Honda’s frustrating infotainment system. Base LX models come with a 5.0-inch color radio screen, but all other models get a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio; navigation is optional, as is a nine-speaker audio system. Honda reintroduced a rotary volume knob last year and we appreciate that, but a lack of other controls, slow infotainment responses, and the absence of an auxiliary input can’t be forgiven.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The CR-V earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and it was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Honda also comes standard with a suite of driver-assistance technology to help prevent collisions from happening in the first place. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Honda covers every CR-V with limited and powertrain warranties that are competitive with most other manufacturers. The Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are the exceptions, besting Honda and company with an unrivaled 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Their limited warranty is significantly better, too.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
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